Verlon Thompson: The Art, Craft & Presentation of Your Song

June 14-16, 2018 • Nashville, TN

Limited to 20 Students

Registration is Open!

[This is the only songwriting workshop with Verlon scheduled for 2018!]

Verlon has been quoted as saying that he “doesn’t teach songwriting so much as he inspires songwriting.” Writers of any and all skill levels will benefit from Verlon’s shared experience of 35 years as a professional songwriter. From concept (the “art”) to craft (the nuts and bolts construction), Verlon will guide the class in the writing and presentation of your song.

You’ll also learn tricks-of-the-trade for finding inspiration, letting a rhythm and groove guide you along, ways for your guitar to open up song ideas, and the importance of the presentation and performance of your creation. You’ll also have a chance to perform on-stage for the class during a closing night concert.

This three-day workshop with Verlon will include:

Exercises to help find inspiration for your song

Hand-on crafting of your song, including rhythms, melodies, and delivery

Closing night on-stage student performance and video-taping

Surprise Guest Speakers & Private Concert with Verlon and friends

Song feedback in the group with Verlon and his guest teacher

A One-on-One session with Verlon

In addition to the intensive days of songwriting, you’ll enjoy a surprise private concert with Verlon and friends, a closing night group dinner, surprise guest songwriters who will join us, song circles in the evenings where everyone can share songs, a class performance night, and an opening dinner at a Nashville home with Verlon!

Registration is Open!

COST: $995 per student. This includes three days of workshops (Thursday/Friday/Saturday), a Wednesday evening gathering and dinner to meet each other, one-on-one time with Verlon, and a special evening of music. (Breakfast, lunch and dinners that aren’t covered can be found at restaurants in walking distance.)

TEACHERS: In addition to Verlon Thompson, there will be a songwriting facilitator who will be with you all three days, as well as a surprise guest or two…

LODGING: Scarritt Bennett has rooms available on the campus on a first-come, first-served basis. These are single rooms that share a bathroom with the adjoining room. The cost is $75 per night plus tax, and you can book these yourself by calling 866-420-5486, Emailing Reservations, or visiting their Website.But book early because they fill up fast! If you’d rather stay at a hotel, these are within walking distance to Scarritt Bennett Campus: Embassy Suites, Best Western Music Row, Hilton Home2 Suites, and Hampton Inn.

REFUND POLICY:Your deposit of $200 is non-refundable and will secure one of the 20 spots. You’ll be invoiced for the remaining $795 on April 1 that will be due no later than April 15 to keep your spot and not lose your deposit. If you are fully paid and cancel by May 1, 2017 you’ll be refunded $795. After May 1 there is no guaranteed refund unless we fill the spot (we will have a cancellation list). If the spot is filled by June 1, then you’ll still receive your $795 refund. If you cancel after June 1 there are no refunds.

YOUR DEPOSIT OF $200 IS NON-REFUNDABLE and will secure one of the 20 spots. You’ll be invoiced for the remaining $795 on April 1 that will be due no later than April 15 to keep your spot and not lose your deposit. If you are fully paid and cancel by May 1, 2017 you’ll be refunded $795. After May 1 there is no guaranteed refund unless we fill the spot (we will have a cancellation list). If the spot is filled by June 1, then you’ll still receive your $795 refund. If you cancel after June 1 there are no refunds.

Total

$0.00

You'll checkout through Paypal where you can use either a credit card or your Paypal account.

Thirty years as a professional songwriter and traveling troubadour serve as credentials. As a solo performer, and as the trusted sidekick of Texas Americana songwriting icon Guy Clark, Verlon has viewed the world from stages everywhere from Barcelona to Binger (his hometown in Oklahoma).

Equally important in his songwriting and live performances, Verlon’s guitar work cannot go unnoticed. His guitar can be heard on recordings by Restless Heart, Pam Tillis, and many more, including, and especially Guy Clark.

Verlon co-produced Guy Clark’s Grammy nominated CD Cold Dog Soup as well as The Dark, Workbench Songs and Somedays the Song Writes You.

As the in-house musician for Genuine Human Productions (genuinehuman.com) Thompson scores themes and background music for documentaries and special film projects.

Testimonials of Verlon ’Thompson’s Songwriting Workshops:

Verlon is an extraordinarily talented man, but, that’s something that is commonly understood and known. But not every amazing artist can teach, Verlon just tells his stories and explains everything he has learned, so generously, that he makes teaching an art in itself. A truly gifted man. He has you laughing and crying. We are puppets and we’re all the richer for a few days in his company.Tricia Duffy, Chiswick, London, UK

Verlon is a tremendous teacher by being himself. This is a man who works hard to realize gentle truths and deliver them in his music with stuff that works.Richard Weil, Takoma Park, MD

Verlon is an accomplished songwriter who speaks the language of music with kindness, wisdom and respect. He is able to draw important information from the work of all types of songwriters; from newcomers to those who have more experience, he makes it comfortable to be assessed both with praise of the strong parts, and a gentle nudge toward improving parts which could possibly be adjusted. He always makes sure you know that his opinion is NOT the most important one because the most important person to please with your songwriting… is YOU!!Ingrid Graudins, Nashville, TN

Vernon Thompson is as kind and generous as he is talented as an artist and mentor. And he’s an incredible artist! So that let’s you know the kind of person whose joy and love for music just permeates everyone in attendance. I am forever grateful for his willingness to share his knowledge and expertise, and for his genuine interest in the works of other songwriters. He will always be atop the list of my favorite people and most inspiring songwriters. What a story he has! What a picker and songwriter he has been! And what a sweet soul he is!Chris Wood, Athens, GA

Verlon Thompson….not a better writer, a finer player or a nicer man to be found in these parts. If you just watch and listen to him work you will gain a knowledge and an insight into the craft and the “Business we call Show” that you will not find anywhere else. Spend the time…..you will be glad you did!Marty Zundel, Jeannette, PA

Verlon is all heart, a genuine, caring, thoughtful person/instructor with many road-worn years of experience that he shares in a compassionate enlightening way.David McLachlan, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Verlon is much more than an extraordinarily talented songwriter and performer. He has a big welcoming embrace and a love of the craft and of people that breathes through all his teaching in these workshops. You will come away affirmed, inspired and dedicated to a new level of your own craft. I will join him again anytime I can….you should too!Ashanti Fraser, Rockglen, Saskatchewan, Canada

I attended the 2017 Verlon Thompson Performing Songwriter workshop and It was three of the best days I have experienced. I was given the opportunity to be in the presence of four great writers: Verlon, Shawn Camp, Gretchen Peters and Angela Kaset. Really hated to see it end.Charles Berryhill, Clinton, KY

Verlon is a very warm and open person. Right from the beginning of our workshop, he created a sense of community beyond what I’d experienced in other groups. He brings people together, while at the same time, clearly recognizes, supports and offers honest direction to each individual in her/his songwriting process. Verlon is an enormously accomplished songwriter and a master of song performance. He makes it all look easy. A three day workshop provides just a glimpse of the treasures he has to offer.Ellen Gennaro, Nashville, TN

Join Our Creative Workshop Mailing List

Each workshop is limited to a small number of registrants to ensure a personal and unmatched experience with one-on-one access to the teachers. Since they will fill up quickly, sign up for our mailing list and be the first to be notified of our upcoming Creative Workshops.

Testimonials

Performing Songwriter Ent., LLC

As we know from the many years of great PS magazines, Lydia Hutchinson just flat out knows what she's doing. So it's no surprise to find top-notch faculty in a well thought out program that will have you coming back for more. This is the real deal executed by writers, for writers in ways that matter. I could not have done my inner writer a better favor. Worth every penny and then some.

Philip PoliWindsor, Ontario

Performing Songwriter Ent., LLC

The Performing Songwriter Creative Workshop is nothing short of beautiful. The gift I've received in my heart, as a songwriter is something I get to keep forever … this is good and important work and I look forward to the next time I can come and recharge my inspiration!

Toni VereCalgary, Alberta

Performing Songwriter Ent., LLC

Lydia's passion for songwriters came through in every aspect of the program that she planned. Little touches and surprises made the Nashville workshop a complete Nashville experience for someone who hasn't been there before. I felt welcomed and cared for.

Matt StoneTemecula, CA

Performing Songwriter Ent., LLC

Lydia was extremely organized, on top of the actual events as well as the general flow of the weekend. She communicated effectively so that I always felt in the loop and that my individual needs we're attended to. Lydia brought her joyous enthusiasm to every activity and while running the show, was also an integral part of it.

Lydia Hutchinson has years of experience cultivating songwriting as a craft and art and supporting songwriters on their journey. Her warm, friendly presence creates a spirit of welcome and participation by all. She is accessible and involved throughout the event, and her words and writing will inspire you as you get to know her.

Karen BurgerMt. Kisco, NY

Performing Songwriter Ent., LLC

The workshop was FABULOUS!! Not once did Lydia Hutchinson ever let the ball drop! Everything ran like clockwork: she was always there, ready to help or clarify something. She thought of everything! And she made each of us feel important. I cannot thank her enough for all she did to make this experience one I will never forget.

Carol LymanPort Pleasant, PA

Performing Songwriter Ent., LLC

Lydia is wonderful and warm and knows what she's doing! A fabulous experience and a weekend I will never forget. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.